Topical Antibiotic
Reviews
3.6
671 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic
Efficacy
55%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Topical Antibiotic
Side Effects
Low
Topical Antibiotic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
One of the less effective treatments out there. It should never be used on its own or for longer than 3 months and may lead to resistant strains of bacteria. It may provide a slight improvement in mild acne in some people.
Topical Antibiotic
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Clindamycin
Compare To Other Treatments
5
27.7%
4
32.3%
3
18.9%
2
14.2%
1
6.9%

Used Clindamycin? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 10, 2007

Pros:

Clears up pimples around nose quite quickly! No nausea, heart burn caused, and doesn't restrict me from eating. The dabber is convenient as well.

Cons:

Smells quite terrible and strong, burns my nose for about 30 seconds.

I went to the doctor because of the insane stomach problems minocycline had/has been giving me since March and she prescribed this instead, which I am hoping will keep the acne (which I haven't had since March) away.
July 18, 2007

Pros:

It can almost immediately clear a break out and can be put on at anytime of the day.

Cons:

It isn't really the best long time solution for me because it stopped for me and if ussually takes over 2 weeks for it to even to kick in.

Not the best medicine out there. Not worth the money. Only use if you're running out of better options.
July 12, 2007

Pros:

For the most part, Evoclin has cleared up my acne. Over the years, I have used various acne medications and this one goes on smoothly and keeps me fairly pimple-free. I do get small pimples occasionally, but this medication clears them w/in 24hours

Cons:

Evoclin does not keep me 100% pimple-free all of the time. It allows little pimples and whiteheads to pop up, but works quickly at clearing them. My pimples are worst around my period.

I would definitely recommend this product, but just know that you will still get a few pimples. It comes out of the can like foam/mousse and absorbs immediately into your skin. I have not noticed any overdrying because of this medication.
April 19, 2007

Pros:

So far I have been using this product for about over a week, and it has been clearing up my acne causing smoother skin and less breakouts.

Cons:

I don't kno if i am applying it correctly and I dont kno how long it is supposed to take to actually effectively change my skin.

Give it a shot if you have insurance
April 12, 2007

Pros:

It is easily absorbed and lasts long.

Cons:

Not good, dries out skin, and irritates it! MADE IT WORSE!

It has actually made my face worse, and it also dried it up and made my lips peel. My friend also found it NOT to work. Don't waste your time and money.
March 31, 2007

Pros:

didn't make skin worse

Cons:

just made my skin the stay the same, no breakouts, or new pimples, but no improvment either

I have used clindamycin for about 6 months, and have been hoping for a change, but still my acne is the same, no improvment what so ever. However, it did not make acne worse.
December 10, 2006

Pros:

works well in some areas, but not in others.

Cons:

drys out skin pretty bad

still iffy on this product, it seems to only work in certain areas of the skin, and it drys those areas out, so the skin ends up irritated anyway.
October 18, 2006
I have been suffering from acne for the past 5 years. Sophomore year of high school my skin was clear after using retin-a micro, benzaclin and triaz 6% but by the end of junior year into the middle of senior year my skin could not take the strong medication anymore. I have been trying everything, even pills until recently when i started using evoclin with a 3% benzoyl peroxide cleanser. It's only been about 3 weeks but so far my skin has improved dramatically and several people have made comments on the improvements. I definately recommend evoclin to those who suffer from mild-moderate acne. It's not perfect you have to remember that no acne cream is going to be able to prevent every pimple but it can help and over time your skin WILL improve you just have to be patient.
October 16, 2006

Pros:

my skin got better from the very first time i used it. tried differin afterwards and skin got bad, went back to clyndamycin and skin is okay again.

Cons:

still get pimples when working out.

try as many different products as you can handle, then stick with the one that works the best. there will probably not a product that will rid all your pimples BUT get the one that helps the most.
October 4, 2006

Pros:

cheap

Cons:

doesn't work, adverse effects, tacky feel

I was originally really happy for getting this Rx for such a low price, but immediately found out why it wasn't more expensive. This stuff seriously doesn't work. It builds a layer of film on the skin and so I could only use it at night. My skin felt really oily in the morning, while the acne doesn't subside at all. It might have showed a slight improvement at the end of the first month, which made me hopeful. But after 3 months I've decided that my skin is worse than when I started this product.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.